Boots Riley's I Love Boosters isn't just a movie—it's a Trojan horse packed with revolution, wrapped in sequins and shoplifting schemes. The writer-director's sophomore feature follows Corvette (Keke Palmer) and her crew of expert thieves as they take down a ruthless fashion mogul (Demi Moore) in a hyper-capitalist future. But beneath the heist comedy and surreal visuals lies a sharp political critique that the cast says is unlike anything audiences have seen.
In a recent interview with Collider, stars Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, and Eiza González sat down to discuss their collaboration with Riley, the bold creative risks they took, and the surprising realities of fame. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into the making of a film that blends fashion, crime, and social commentary with Riley's signature style.
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When asked what people get wrong about their job, the cast didn't hold back. Naomi Ackie explained that the glamour is largely a myth. "When you're on the telly, your whole life is luxurious—spas every day—but it's a grind," she said. "I have a very normal life outside of this. No one would even know I was walking down the street."
Eiza González echoed that sentiment, sharing a story about walking past a billboard of herself in New York City without anyone noticing. "I went into my coffee shop like this—no one flinched. Not one person," she laughed. Poppy Liu added, "We don't look like this ever. That's why people think, 'That definitely is not her.'"
The conversation also touched on the pressures of the industry. Liu reflected on what she considers a personal failure: losing touch with her values. "The industry is intense and magnetic," she said. "I always remind myself I'd be okay if I didn't have any of this. That would be a failure—if I forgot what matters."
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One of the most fascinating parts of the interview was the cast's discussion of the creative choices that might go unnoticed. González revealed that she built her character, Violeta, from scratch after Riley gave her freedom to experiment. "I thought she should be a stoner, a dark emo girl deep in Reddit conspiracy theories, smoking a joint and being existential," she said. "It was a big swing, but it gave her an inner life that allows you to believe she's someone who thinks outside the box."
That kind of boldness is exactly what Riley encourages. The cast praised his collaborative approach, noting that he lets actors "do their thing" even when they're unsure what that thing is. "It's hard when you don't audition sometimes," González admitted. "But watching them all make bold choices inspired me."
The film's visual style is equally daring. Riley has cited influences ranging from Emir Kusturica to Jacques Tati, and the result is a world that feels both futuristic and familiar. For fans of Boots Riley's inspirations, the movie is a feast of surreal imagery and sharp satire.
Why 'I Love Boosters' Feels Like a Revolution
Despite its comedic surface, I Love Boosters is deeply political. The cast described it as a "blueprint for a revolution" hidden inside a star-powered vehicle. "It's a Trojan horse," one actor said. "You come for the fashion and the heist, but you leave thinking about capitalism and inequality."
That balance is what makes the film stand out. As Keke Palmer has said, she's done with "gotcha" interviews—and this movie is anything but predictable. With a cast that includes LaKeith Stanfield and Demi Moore, I Love Boosters is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
For the actors, the experience was transformative. "Boots makes you feel like you're part of something bigger," Paige said. "It's not just a movie—it's a movement."
